Plumas County says vets office not closing

Delaine Fragnoli - Managing Editor

11/12/2010

In response to rumors that the county is closing its Veterans Service Office, County Administrative Officer Jack Ingstad said Friday, “There are only discussions on how to better improve services, not on reductions in services.”

Sheryl Austin, the current veterans service officer, was moved earlier this year to space in the public health department. Ingstad said the move was a way to provide her additional administrative support and to make sure the office would be open five days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to Ingstad, Austin gave notice shortly after that move. Austin’s last day on the job is Dec. 2.

The county began advertising yesterday for a new VSO to work full time with similar support from public health. The county is also asking for volunteers for a veterans advisory committee to recommend the best applicants for the appointment.

Ingstad said he was going to be bringing the names of former veterans office employees to county supervisors at their Dec. 7 board meeting to give them options for the interim.

Ingstad vowed, “There will be an interim veteran appointment Dec. 7. This will keep the office open without interruption. Veterans will have assistance from the county five days a week.”